Bechtle direct in the Czech Republic starting in April.

Bechtle’s e-commerce segment now in 13 European countries

Sales team will start with a country-specific catalogue and online shop

Office in Prague

On 1 April 2011, Bechtle will launch its new e-commerce branch in the Czech Republic. After Poland, this is Bechtle’s second branch in a Central European country, and the 13th European country where Bechtle is present with its e-commerce segment. And the company is looking into further Central European markets.

Neckarsulm/Prague, 31 March 2011 – Bechtle continues its international expansion with a further office in Central Europe, breaking into the Czech market. The managing director of the new branch in Prague is Petr Polak. Before joining Bechtle, the 35-year-old native Czech was a Channel Manager at Logitech. He knows the IT industry and has excellent contacts with the manufacturers. “With Petr Polak we have found a competent managing director with in-depth knowledge of the Czech IT market.

The Bechtle direct brand is well established in Europe, which is a good foundation for profitable business in the attractive Czech market”, says Frank Prünte, COO of Bechtle direct Holding AG. “We believe that the Czech Republic is one of the most important growth markets in Central Europe."

Optimum foundation.

In the Czech Republic, Bechtle direct’s business customers can choose from a portfolio of some 30,000 brand-name IT products and order via catalogue, Internet and telephone. The new online shop, www.bechtle.cz, offers up-to-date prices and availability information as well as promotional offers specific to the Czech market. The Bechtle catalogue is also available in Czech. “The comprehensive portfolio along with an online shop and catalogue in the Czech language are an optimum foundation for a successful market entry”, says Petr Polak. The Czech sales team can build on the many years of experience of their parent company to ensure a smooth start. In 2010, Bechtle was able to achieve revenues of 572 million euros in its IT e-commerce segment alone.

Bechtle will further pursue its growth strategy in the current year. In the wake of the Polish and Czech market entries, the company is planning to set foot in Hungary in 2011.